I’ve nearly finished painting inside and out a 5×8 playhouse for my granddaughters. It is pink (of course) inside. I was planning to put down a laminate floor (scraps from my son’s home improvement project) but I have concerns about moisture. So, I’m thinking the cheapest and most durable way to handle the floor is to use floor paint. The current floor is plywood. I thought pink and white squares would look really cute.
Questions:
1. Should I use floor paint? Then a polyurethane?
2. I plan to use Behr paint – good brand for this project?
3. Can I get a floor paint in pastel colors?
4. Any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Replies
It sounds like a lovely project that the girls will enjoy for years to come and much fun for you! I am assuming this is an outdoor playhouse (I've seen indoor ones on TV). If outside, I would advise against hardwood and laminate due to moisture. I think the plywood (better if it is marine grade) painted and urethaned well, meaning more than one coat, but others could probably recommend how many might work fine if protected from the elements. I'd be inclined to try that first, and if it doesn't perform, you might think of outdoor decking material, which I think can be painted as well, to conform with the design. Either way, paint is an inexpensive alternative, so if the plywood doesn't work, you have another option. I just love this idea!
Please post photos of this project. I'm like a little kid and can't wait to see what you've put together with love for the kids.
Thank you for your reply - you were the only one! This is what I finally decided to do. The existing floor was pieced with plywood scraps when initially built and was never intended to be the final flooring. I thought paint would be a quick solution until I decided on "proper" flooring. So I sanded, patched and primed the floor then marked off a checkerboard grid of 10 inch squares. I used porch paint and painted pink and white checks. After one coat, I had the store re-tint the pink as the color was more coral than pink and didn't go with the walls. (Can you believe me!) The second coat color turned out the same only darker. Finally, I just bought the same pink paint I used for the walls except it was "exterior." Now the floor has checks of white porch paint and pink exterior paint. And, I have to say it's just too, too cute, but boy was it labor intensive.This past weekend my six year old granddaughter invited ten friends (plus siblings & parents) to our home to celebrate her birthday. The playhouse was the "hit" of the day. Even the parents had to check out the house. The floor took a beating with kids running in and out all day long. Today I vacumned and washed the floor and was surprised how well it withstood the activity. The exterior paint held up just as well as the porch paint. There were some shoe scuffs that I think I can get up. I'm considering a final coat of polyurethane. What do you think?This is an ongoing labor of love project for me. It's my brother's legacy. The playhouse is a replica of the one I had as a child. He built it while he was fighting for his life - prostrate cancer.I will try to figure out how to post a picture after the craziness of Christmas is over. Thanks again for your feed back.
Boy, what a lucky child. My daughter has been asking for a playhouse and neither my husband or I are handy enough to build one. I have looked for ready made, but they are pretty pricey.
I would love to see the photos when you have a chance. What a special gift!
sheilatorres
Well, it sounds like the floor was a big hit! You asked about the polyurethane. You might want to check out something I saw on HGTV called varithane. One type can yellow with age and the other doesn't. I'd vaccuum good and probably use up to 3 coats, allowing each plenty of drying time. That will protect your hard work on the paint for a long time if you choose the right product for the job. Sorry I can't be more informative on the product part. Oh, you might check that it doesn't make the floor paint run in a small test area first, just to be sure since the top is exterior paint. I'm not sure if it will or not.
It will be special to you remembering your childhood, the love of your brother, and the joy of the kids. A lot of happiness to be had there.
Happy Holidays and post a photo when you can!